iquique tour chile

Tours: Iquique

Iquique is considered one of the most important cities of the North of Chile. Get to know the historic centre, the archaeological remains and the famous for the exploitation of saltpeter Iquique surrounding.

Iquique Adventure 5 Days

Paraglide over the Pacific Ocean and slide through the highest dunes of northern Chile in this adrenaline-packed travel program.

• Physical Very low
• Cultural Very high
• Nature Very high
• Nightlife N/A

The best of Iquique - Express 3 Days

In this 3-day trip program in Iquique, we will get to know the Oasis de Pica and its Andean towns. We are going to also enjoy the hot springs and visit the Puchuldiza geysers.

• From CLP $ 129.000 per person
• From US$ 121 per person

ROUTE TIRANA FESTIVAL & DESERT OASIS 3 Days

Be part of Chile's renowned Carnival, La Fiesta de la Tirana, while discovering some of Iquique's main tourist attractions and immersing yourself in the culture and tradition of this celebration.

• From CLP $ 112.500 per person
• From US$ 140 per person
• Nature Very low
• Nightlife Very high

The best of Iquique - Perfect 4 Days

In this 4-day trip program, we are visiting the Salar de Huasco National Park with its typical landscapes of the Chilean Andean zone. We will also learn about the history of ancient cultures through rock art.

• From CLP $ 222.500 per person
• From US$ 278 per person
• Nature Medium

The best of iquique - Full 5 Days

In this travel program, you will get to know the best of Iquique. You will visit the former nitrate offices of Humberstone and Santa Laura. We will learn about archaeology, history, and enjoy the landscapes of Atacama.

• From CLP $ 291.250 per person
• From US$ 364 per person

Route of the Quinoa and Giant Cactus Forest 14 Hours

Bordering the Salar de Coipasa, in the Chilean Altiplano, commune of Colchane. An interesting place that we will reach walking, in a condition of average altitude between 3,700 and 3,800 m.s. An excellent view of the salar and an…

• Cultural Medium

Surf in Cavancha beach 3 Hours

If you like surfing and want to learn more about this sport, this excursion is for you. We will teach you how to handle the board by the waves of the Cavancha beach and you will enjoy a day of sport and adventure in the famous city…

• Physical Very high
• Cultural N/A

Tour around the nitrate towns and the oasis of Pica 12 Hours

This tour will take you from the former saltpeter offices of Humberstone and Santa Laura to the beautiful oasis of Pica, passing through the incredible geoglyphs of Pintados, the town of Matilla and the Sanctuary of La Tirana.

Tour through the Victoria saltpeter, Salar de Llamara and the Tamentica petroglyphs 12 Hours

City tour of Iquique with a visit to the Corvette Esmeralda Museum 4 Hours

• From CLP $ 32.500 per person
• From US$ 40 per person
• Physical N/A

Iquique: City tour and navigation 4 Hours

If you want to know Iquique, our city tour will take you to the most emblematic points of the city, the Baquedano promenade, the Astoreca palace and the Municipal theater. We will also do a navigation around the bay and Puerto de Iquique.

Sandboard in Iquique dunes 3 Hours

One of the best tours you can do in Iquique is to learn to sandboard in the huge sand dunes of the Dragon Hill. Do you want to live this experience?

• From CLP $ 50.000 per person
• From US$ 62 per person

Humberstone Saltpeter and Painted Geoglyphs Tour 12 Hours

• From CLP $ 62.500 per person
• From US$ 78 per person

Paragliding over Iquique 3 Hours

If you want to get to know Iquique from a different point of view, we invite you to experience this paragliding experience. You will have a panoramic view of the beaches, the Pacific Ocean and the entire city.

• From CLP $ 68.750 per person
• From US$ 86 per person
• Physical Medium

Relax day on Mamiña Thermal Springs 10 Hours

Excursion through Salar del Huasco National Park 12 Hours

On this tour you will get to know the Chilean highlands with its landscapes full of bofedales, yaretas, llamas and flamencos. We will visit the Salar de Huasco National Park, an area of extensive wetlands, which is why it is considered…

• From CLP $ 81.250 per person
• From US$ 102 per person

Night of eve party of the tirana 15 to 16 July. Full day

The town of La Tirana, is located about 20 kilometers from Pica in the middle of the Pampa del Tamarugal, it is transformed between July 15 and 16 in an anthill of people. The "Chinese dances" arrive in trucks, buses, trucks, cars…

• From CLP $ 87.500 per person
• From US$ 109 per person
• Nightlife Very low

Tour through the Volcan Isuga National Park 14 Hours

• From CLP $ 93.750 per person
• From US$ 117 per person

Red Lagoon Tour in Tarapacá 12 Hours

Can you imagine a red, yellow and a green lagoon? This spectacle of nature is just one of the wonders that you can see in this tour through the pre-mountain range of the Arica and Parinacota Region

• From CLP $ 150.000 per person
• From US$ 188 per person
• Cultural Very low

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• Less than a day
• More than a day
• Birdwatching
• Culture and History
• Hot Springs
• Local Cuisine
• Mountaineering
• Native People
• Paragliding
• Sightseeing
• Wildlife Watching

Tour comparison

The Ultimate Guide to Travel in Iquique Chile

The capital of Chile’s northernmost region, Region I, comprising the provinces of Arica, Parinacota and Iquique, the city of Iquique is one of the country’s most visited cities. The attractions are a mild climate, commerce, the Atacama desert, natural and archaeological treasures, access to Peru and Bolivia and a great many recreational and sporting activities. Orient yourself with this interactive  map  from Expedia.

Iquique’s history dates back to pre-Columbian times when the native tribes lived by the sea and collected guano or settled in the interior regions where hot springs and Andean snow runoff provided water for agriculture. They left behind their ruins and their petroglyphs for modern study, but not much is known of their way of life.

The Spanish explorers came through on their way south , and for many years, this was territory belonging to Bolivia. This was the way to the sea to export the silver mined in Bolivia to the world, primarily to Spain .

Nitrate and Money

Nitrate, a natural fertilizer although it is mined in barren desert, changed the region. From the 1830’s foreign investors thronged to the area, and Iquique bloomed into a cultural and financial center. The city installed electric service to homes and businesses. The Municipal Theater showcased the best in music and plays. The English “King of Nitrate”, John Thomas North, oversaw the building of the railway station and other civic and commercial buildings. Champagne flowed.

Earthquakes almost leveled the town in the latter part of the 1800’s, but the city rebuilt itself. Great wealth brought amenities, lavish mansions, water, and the port became active and famous. When Bolivia began to clamp down on the mining and fabulous wealth of the nitrate mines, called salitreras , demanding a rise in taxes, these investors and the government of Chile protested.

Thus began the difficulties leading to the War of the Pacific, in which Peru sided with Bolivia against Chile, culminating in the Battle of Iquique on May 21, 1879, which is commemorated in the Glorias Navales. With Chile winning the war, Peru and Bolivia lost and ceded to Chile what is now the provinces of Tarapacá, Tacna, Arica, and Antofagasta. Bolivia is still seeking redress and access to the sea in an ongoing political discussion with Chile, who is disinclined to return any territory.

The days of great wealth from nitrate lasted until Germany developed a synthetic nitrate to free itself from Chile’s monopoly of natural nitrate. The history of Oficina Santa Laura is typical of the rise and decline of the salitreras, called Oficinas . Oficina Humberstone is easily visited from Iquique and is on many of the desert tours.

With the fading of Region I’s source of wealth, Iquique and other communities turned to the sea and built up the port facilities to export copper. Today Iquique is one of Chile’s largest ports and has the largest duty-free zone in South America, called ZOFRI of Zona Franca de Iquique, where a shopping mall has hundreds of shops selling duty-free goods.

Things to Do and See in Iquique Chile

Iquique has re-invented itself as a commercial center and a tourist base for explorations into the desert, sports and recreation, deep sea fishing, beaches, and archaeological tours. The hot springs and thermal baths attract visitors for the mud baths and healing properties to these oases.

The great Andes and the national parks bring climbers, trekkers, and photographers. The inland orchards and farms provide produce to complement the seafood found offshore.

In the city, the small historic center is surrounded by modern growth, including new housing sectors, development of the beaches and hotels, including the Casino Iquique, all to accommodate the visitors who make Iquique the most visited city in Chile. Where to go in Iquique describes some of the city’s attractions. The city grows as visitors come for vacations, for shopping and to tour the desert, fall in love with the region and make Iquique there home. Browse  views of Iquique  for a better idea of the aesthetics.

Getting There and When to Go

By land, access by the Pan American highway going north or south. Arica, on the border with Peru, is 307 km north. Calama is 389 km southeast and Santiago is 1843 km south. By air, to Diego Aracena International Airport . Compare and select flights from your area. You can also browse for hotels and car rentals. By sea, Iquique is a port of call for a number of cruise lines, whose passengers enjoy the duty-free shopping, local restaurants, and short tours.

Iquique's annual climate is mild, ranging from an average winter low of 12.5º C to an average summer high of 24.4º C. Check today's weather and forecast. The climate makes Iquique an all-season destination.

Enjoy your trip...Buen viaje!

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Barefoot surfers, paragliding pros, casino snobs and frenzied merchants all cross paths in the rather disarming city of Iquique. Located in a golden crescent of coastline, this city is counted among Chile's premier beach resorts, with a glitzy casino, beachfront boardwalk and more activities (from paragliding to sand-boarding) than any sane person can take on in a week. The big draw here is the swaths of pitch-perfect beach, which offer some of the best surfing around.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

The city's 19th-century swagger is hard to miss on Iquique's central square. Pride of place goes to the 1877 Torre Reloj clock tower, seemingly baked and…

Museo Corbeta Esmeralda

This replica of sunken Esmeralda, a plucky little Chilean corvette that challenged ironclad Peruvian warships in the War of the Pacific, is Iquique's new…

Muelle de Pasajeros

Hour-long boat tours around the harbor leave from Iquique's 1901 passenger pier, just west of the Edificio de la Aduana. The tour floats past the Boya…

Centro Cultural Palacio Astoreca

Originally built for a nitrate tycoon, this 1904 Georgian-style mansion is now a cultural center, which exhibits contemporary work produced by local…

Museo Regional

Iquique's former courthouse now hosts the catch-all regional museum, which earnestly re-creates a traditional adobe altiplano village and also exhibits…

Casino Español

The prize for the showiest building in Iquique goes to this Moorish-style place from 1904, on the plaza's northeast corner. The gaudily tiled creation is…

Torre Reloj

This 1877 clock tower takes pride of place on Iquique's main square.

Museo Naval

Take in the artifacts salvaged from the sunken Esmeralda at this small museum inside the haughty colonial-style customs house, built in 1871 when Iquique…

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Jan 24, 2017 • 2 min read

The vast Atacama desert in northern Chile is one of the driest places on Earth; some spots here have never seen rain. The 100-kilometre strip of land is…

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Transfer Aeropuerto de Iquique

• Anulación gratuita

Traslado en transfer privado entre el Aeropuerto General Diego Aracena Aguilar y tu alojamiento en Iquique.   Ver más >>

Salitrera Humberstone, Santa Laura y Oasis de Pica

• Horarios: 08:15 a 19:30

Recorre la pampa visitando las ex oficinas salitreras Humberstone y Santa Laura, el Santuario de La Tirana y los oasis de Pica y Matilla.   Ver más >>

• Horarios: 16:00 a 18:30

Aprovecha la inmensidad de las dunas del Cerro Dragón para practicar este entretenido deporte aventura, junto a la supervisión de un instructor profesional.   Ver más >>

City Tour + Navegación Boya Esmeralda

• Horarios: 09:30 a 13:30

Con el City Tour Iquique caminarás por el Paseo Baquedano y navegarás a la boya de la Esmeralda.   Ver más >>

Parque Nacional Isluga y Termas de Enquelga

• Horarios: 07:00 a 21:00

Un día de naturaleza y costumbres ancestrales, visitando el Parque Nacional Isluga y las termas de Enquelga.   Ver más >>

City Tour + Museo Corbeta Esmeralda

• Horarios: 09:30 a 13:00

Con la Ruta Corbeta Esmeralda conoce los atractivos de la ciudad de Iquique y parte importante de la historia de Chile. Incluye transporte y guía.   Ver más >>

Parque Nacional Salar de Huasco

• Horarios: 08:30 a 20:00

Visita el Parque Nacional Salar de Huasco y accede al típico paisaje del Altiplano desde la ciudad de Iquique. Incluye transporte y guía.   Ver más >>

Laguna Roja

• Horarios: 05:00 a 22:00

Descubre el secreto mejor guardado del norte de Chile, con la visita del pueblo de Camiña y la Laguna Roja. Incluye transporte y guía.   Ver más >>

Salitrera Humberstone, Geoglifos y City Tour

• Horarios: 08:30 a 14:00

Toma el tour Humberstone, Geoglifos y City Tour, y accede a los atractivos más característicos de la zona de Iquique. Incluye transporte y guía.   Ver más >>

Termas de Mamiña

• Horarios: 08:30 a 18:30

Relájate en las Termas de Mamiña y los Baños de Ipla, y conoce la cultura aymara en el pueblo de Mamiña. Incluye transporte compartido.   Ver más >>

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12 Best Things to Do in Iquique, Chile

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

The capital of Chile’s Tarapaca Region , Iquique is a very interesting city to visit with a lot of different sides. Lying along the country’s northern coastline, right by the Atacama Desert , it attracts everyone from beachgoers and gamblers to sandboarders, shoppers and paragliders.

Set in a stunning spot beneath towering dunes, the coastal city was founded in the sixteenth century. The strategic port remained part of Peru however until the War of the Pacific in 1883. It was around this time that a nitrate mining boom financed the construction of many of the beautiful old buildings that dot its historic center today.

After this industry’s collapse and decades of decline, it became a duty-free zone to entice shoppers and investors alike. As a result, there are now some massive malls and a couple of casinos to check out, scattered around town.

Other than shopping and exploring its charming old colonial center, there are also more active things to do in Iquique thanks to a huge range of exciting adventure sports. Due to Iquique’s unique setting, these include not just scuba diving and surfing but sandboarding and paragliding too.

12. Teatro Municipal

One of the city’s most important and impressive buildings, the marvelous Teatro Municipal lines one side of the picturesque Plaza Arturo Prat. Over the decades, it has put on countless top-class shows and concerts by both local and international acts. After numerous delays, all its ongoing renovations are scheduled to be completed sometime in 2023.

Remarkably built back in 1889, the old theater exhibits some exquisite architecture with its brilliantly bright white facade overlooking the iconic clock tower in the center of the square outside. Other than admiring its ornate neoclassical features and snapping some pics, visitors can usually also enter its richly-decorated amphitheater.

Dedicated teams are currently working to restore its three floors, hallowed stage and brightly painted ceiling to their former glory. Once open again, it will be amazing to see the historical theater sparkle and new acts take to the stage. As it is, its refined facade already makes for some fabulous viewing.

11. Go Paragliding

If you’re after an exhilarating experience, it’s hard to beat parasailing above the coastal city’s soaring mountains and surrounding desert . Thanks to its unique setting, it is one of the best places to go in the world with flying conditions almost always being ideal.

From town, a number of companies run unforgettable excursions that see you soar through the sky, many hundreds of meters above the ground and glinting ocean. What makes Iquique so perfect is its dry climate and steady ocean breeze combining to create consistent thermals. With only a handful of non-flyable days per year, pilots of all levels can clock up some serious air time.

On top of this, the professional guides and their expert equipment will also ensure you have the best time imaginable. Gliding gracefully through the sky above all the magnificent mountains, desert and coastline is an unbelievable feeling like no other.

10. Zofri Mall

Back on firm ground again is the absolutely massive Zofri Mall. Located on the north side of town, its endless shops lie within one of the world’s largest duty-free zones. This means there are lots of great deals to be had with plenty of cafes and restaurants also on offer.

Almost like a mini-city, the colossal shopping complex was first opened to the public in 1976. Its low price tags and enticing tax rates mean shoppers and investors have flocked here ever since. Across its two vast floors, you can buy everything from accessories and electronics to clothes, jewellery and even car parts.

The gleaming mall also contains a huge food court while roughly 450 stores, restaurants, businesses and service providers pack out almost every conceivable space. Although not big shoppers, we were amazed at its size and the sheer number of people and products found there.

9. Regional Museum

For visitors interested in learning more about Iquique and its surroundings, the highly-rated Regional Museum is an absolute must. Now occupying the city’s former courthouse, its fascinating artifacts and exhibits lie a few blocks south of Plaza Arturo Prat.

Founded in 1960, the museum’s well-done displays now cover everything from the lives and cultures of pre-Columbian peoples to Iquique’s interesting origins and the impactful Pacific War. Other rooms look at the region’s important nitrate mines and ancient Incan mummies uncovered in the area.

Photo exhibits also explore its age-old past as does a walk-through recreation of a traditional adobe altiplano village. Its collection encompasses not just examples of old coins and rusting miners’ gear but stuffed animals, sparkling jewellery and even some elongated skulls.

We really loved the museum due to its well-thought-out exhibitions and the remarkable architecture of the historic building itself. Bordering the beautiful Baquedano Street, it boasts a colourful facade, lovely courtyard and light and airy galleries.

8. Go Surfing

Another fun activity to try in town is surfing atop the sizeable swells that pound its Pacific coastline. At the northern end of the popular Playa Cavancha, you can find a number of challenging breaks and cylindrical barrels.

While many of these rather gnarly reef breaks are only suitable for experienced pros, there are some schools nearby where you can learn to surf. Starting on the beach, the teacher will show you how to balance before you advance to the open ocean. Here you’ll learn how to stand up, paddle out and safely surf small waves.

Skillful surfers can already attempt exciting but intimidating breaks such as Punta Dos, Las Urracas and El Bestia. If surfing is not your thing, you can always try bodyboarding and windsurfing instead or watch others zip across the ocean’s shimmering surface on their boards.

7. Trip to the Red Lagoon

One of the most spellbinding natural attractions in the area, the Red Lagoon lies roughly four hours’ drive away amidst the inhospitable Atacama. Its bright blood-red waters make for some fantastic photos, standing out delightfully against the desolate desert around them.

Hidden away in a remote part of the Chilean highlands , the mysterious lake has numerous myths and legends explaining its dazzling color. In reality, scientists are unsure why the little studied lagoon is red with most attributing it to algae and sediments.

Despite the long, tiring, difficult drive through the Andes to the lagoon, taking a tour here is well worth it. Aside from ogling at its unusual hue, you can also take in all the dramatic landscapes and scenery you pass on the way. There are also yellow and green lagoons to see nearby and ancient petroglyphs to stop off at along the route.

6. Plaza Prat

The heart and soul of life in the city, Plaza Prat is bordered by many of its most impressive buildings. Fountains and flowerbeds also decorate the wide, open square while the spectacular Torre del Reloj clocktower rises theatrically in the center.

The pretty plaza and its attractive old buildings as we know them today largely date to the 1880s and 1920s. After a devastating earthquake leveled much of the city center back in 1877, the square was reconstructed and re-imagined. A nitrate mining boom financed the building of the Teatro Municipal and majestic Moorish-style Spanish Casino and clocktower among others.

Other than ambling about enjoying the ambience and taking photos of all the fine architecture, there are some excellent restaurants and cafes to try out. Fun dance classes, concerts, crafts markets and community events are also regularly held here.

5. Museo Corbeta Esmeralda

Just a short walk north of the expansive plaza is a life-sized replica of the Esmeralda. Sunk just off of Iquique during the War of the Pacific, the massive museum ship is full of interesting period artifacts and exhibits on its past.

Now located along the waterfront, the huge wooden-hulled steam corvette was commissioned by the navy in 1855. It was eventually sunk during the Battle of Iquique by the ironclad Peruvian Huascar on 21st May 1879. Commanded by the Chilean national hero Arturo Prat who died trying to board the enemy ship, its loss actually led to the country mobilizing behind the war and winning it in 1884.

Aboard the very well-done replica, you can see where the sailors ate, slept and fought and learn about the fierce battle. We found the ship fascinating as we didn’t know much about the hugely important War of the Pacific before visiting. A must-see, it has very informative guided tours to take about its decks.

4. Baquedano Street

On the opposite side of the square to the ship is the bustling Baquedano Street. Another of the most popular attractions in town, the long avenue is lined by lots of lovely old historic buildings. Top-class restaurants and bars can also be found along here as can souvenir shops and cultural institutions.

Also dating to between the 1880s and 1920s, many of its traditional wood houses were erected after the 1877 earthquake with proceeds from the mining boom. Known for its ‘Wild West’ look, the paved pedestrian street has an old tram track running through its center.

To either side are beautiful colonial-era buildings that have picturesque porches and balconies lining their facades. These now house countless local bars and restaurants that are packed with crowds of people in the evenings. You can also pick up souvenirs and gifts along the lively street or listen to the outstanding music acts and dance groups that perform here.

3. Playa Cavancha

If after all the sightseeing and outdoor activities you want to kick back, relax and soak up some sun, then the endless Playa Cavancha is certainly the place to go. Lying just south of the center alongside the glittering Pacific, its soft sands are perfect for lounging on lazily.

Bordered by hotels and high-rises, parks and palm trees, the broad beach stretches just under three kilometers in length. While its warm, sheltered waters make it a great spot to swim, some fun surfing and bodyboarding can be hard at its northern end.

Aside from strolling about or cycling along its scenic boardwalk, you can also sunbathe, sail and jet ski. There are also numerous restaurants nearby and the prominent peninsula of the same name to explore too. Due to its proximity to the center, the beach can get quite crowded, particularly at weekends and holidays.

2. Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works

Not to be skipped, the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works provide a very interesting look into the history of the city. Now abandoned, the former mining towns and all their valuable deposits played a key role in the development of Iquique.

Set around forty-five minutes’ drive directly east of town, the sun-scorched site was first exploited for its nitrate in 1872. What followed was a mining boom that financed the building of many of the city’s most impressive old edifices. The saltpeter works were eventually abandoned in the 1960s however after decades of financial difficulties.

At the intriguing old ghost towns in the Atacama, you can now wander around rusting equipment and railroad cars left behind by the miners. The buildings’ striking shapes and the colours of the sky and desert about them also make for some fab photos. At one point, 200 mining communities dotted the desert with these two adjacent sites being the best-preserved of the lot.

1. Go Sandboarding

The most memorable and fun thing we did in Iquique though was definitely sandboarding down the colossal Cerro Dragon. Overlooking the city’s skyline, the immense hill is astonishingly the largest urban sand dune in the world. As you shoot about its sweeping slopes, you can bask in breathtaking panoramas of the city and ocean below.

From the center, a couple of companies run tours out to all the towering dunes on its eastern edge. After a short demonstration and class on how to slide, break and also position yourself on the board, you’re good to go!

While there are loads of rather dramatic looking drops, there are also smaller slopes for beginners to try out. As such, people of all ages and abilities can enjoy sandboarding about the undulating dunes. The captivating landscapes and panoramas also help make it an unforgettable experience.

Where to Stay in Iquique

When visiting Iquique, you can either stay in its historic center or along its broad beaches. As they don’t lie very far from one another, you’re not going to miss out, whichever option you choose.

Right next to Playa Cavancha is the very highly-rated Hilton Garden Inn . A great choice if you’re after a quiet, comfortable stay, the four-star hotel is also located just a stone’s throw from the peninsula’s countless restaurants and bars. Besides modern, spacious rooms, its huge gleaming, glass building has an excellent restaurant, bar and indoor pool to enjoy.

A bit further back from the beach is Arriendo Diario Iquique ; a budget-friendly option with an amazing rooftop pool. Set right next to several shopping centers, the large, private apartment is equipped with everything needed for a pleasant stay. Ideal for families or groups of friends, it has two comfy, clean bedrooms, a kitchen and living room for visitors to make use of.

How to get to Iquique

Squeezed in between the ocean and dunes, the city is situated in a rather isolated, inhospitable spot. Despite this, it has decent connections to the rest of Chile as flights regularly land at Diego Aracena International Airport. These fly to Santiago, Antofagasta and a couple of other destinations.

Long distance buses are also available to many places up and down the country’s long Pacific coast. Some even head to La Paz , Oruro and Cochabamba in Bolivia.

In Iquique, you can either walk to the center or beach from your hotel or hop on a bus and hail a taxi.

Map of Things to Do in Iquique, Chile

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Iquique buzzes with casinos and palm-shaded fashionista strips. Get a local tourHQ guide to help you navigate the bars of Playa Cavancha and the duty-free shopping of Zofri.

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A wedge of shimmering sand that pokes its way out of the north Chilean coast into the rollers of the Pacific, Iquique is not your typical South American beach town. With overtones of Cancun and the rivieras of the Caribbean here, casinos dominate the sand-side boulevards, palm trees flap in the wind next to al fresco bars laden with pisco sours, surfers take time off to flit between the duty-free shops, and sunbathing beats cultural pursuits hands down.

The main beach action is centred on the enticing trio of Playa Cavancha, Brava and Huayquique, running north to south along the front of the city. This is where the left-to-righters draw the surfers in the midday heat, and where the click of casino wheels echoes at night. To the north of the centre is where visitors will find the so-called Zofri; a mass of electronics and perfume shops that come courtesy of a government tax-free zone.

For something a little more cultured, go ahead and engage an Iquique tour guide to explore the clutch of 19 th -century buildings on Baquedano Street and the neighbouring towns such as  Humberstone  and Santa Laura, reminiscent of the splendour of Chile’s saltpeter era.

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Iquique will steal your heart.

Spend your day in front of the ocean, sunbathe on a deck chair, discover the Pacific seabed diving, or get on a jet ski to ride the waves. On its beaches nothing seems impossible and the nightlife is intensely felt in its bohemian establishments, where cultural mix is a constant.

Visit its Free Trade Zone, a business center for Mercosur and Asia Pacific countries, a true shopping paradise, where you will find everything from electronic products to fine perfumes.

Enjoy its fine cuisine in restaurants overlooking the ocean and treat yourself with a traditional mango sour: a drink based on the creamy tropical fruit, one of the city’s treasures along with guavas, grapefruits and lemons grown in its oasis.

Find information on how to get to this destination

Explore the charms Iquique

Walk around downtown Iquique and let yourself be transported to a time where ladies wore taffeta and used parasols, and men handlebar mustaches. Be amazed by the buildings that maintain the glamour of the abundance of saltpeter times.

Start by admiring the architecture of the Arturo Prat Avenue Customs Office, which also houses the Navy Museum, or walk along the Passenger Pier. There you can get a boat to visit the exact site where the Esmeralda corvette sank during the famous Iquique Naval Battle.

A visit to this quiet village is a trip from which you’ll return completely renewed. Set among salt flats and geoglyphs, discover the village of Pica, famous for fruits like the mango, guayaba, grapefruit and the famous pica lemon.

Come see this desert miracle that gets its water from underground aquifers that accumulate in a sort of port called cocha, which attracts swimmers seduced by its pleasant temperatures and surrounding vegetation.

Strolling through its old wooden XIX century buildings call for meditation. This small town keeps the facades that installed the nitrate bonanza. Tour them and learn about their long history of lights and shadows.

Oasis of quiet beaches, it was also the scene of major operations of the Pacific War, and an emblematic place in the history of Human Rights in Chile. A detention center during the XX century that is currently a sort of open-air museum.

The history of white gold involves two nitrate mines that became the largest nitrate deposits in the world at the beginning of the XX century.

The transformation of the nitrate deposits into a community with its own language, organization, customs, and creative expressions enchants to this day those touring these ghost towns in the middle of the Atacama Desert.

Visit the Humberstone mining camp and the industrial area of Santa Laura and relive the days of nitrate glory and the memories of one of the most glorious periods of the country’s history.

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Nearby tourist attractions

Know iquique, información del destino:.

Urban equipment. Flora, fauna and interesting topography in the highlands. Archaeological, anthropological and architectural interest zone. Zona Franca (free taxes zone) and outdoor activities.  

All year long.  

Banano, scuba diving, aquatic ski, buggy, mountainbike, swimming, parapente, sport fishing, sandboard, surf, windsurf, photography.  

Desert weather, with homogeneous temperatures in the shore. The high media temperature is 24,4ºC and the lowest is 12,5ºC. The rain is almost non existent due to shore couldiness, with a high media of 0,9 milimeters.  

Housing, food, transportation, outdoor activities, handmade crafts, mueseums.  

Anywhere-Santiago: Airway Santiago-Iquique: Airway (LanChile and Sky) Anywhere-Iquique: Land route, by Panamericana Highway. Also by seaway.  

Acovinto giant cactus, San Marcos Bay, Baquedano historical street, Zona Franca Shopping center, Dragon Hill, Serrano lighthouse, Puchuldiza Geisers, Sol de Aura Hill geoglifos, Iquique, Pica, Isluga Volcano National Park, Patache, Chillaiiza petroglifos, Piragua, blanca Beach, Brava Beach, Chanavayita Beach, Los Verdes Beach, Yape Beach, Isluga town, Punta Gruesa, Loa River, Tarapacá, Enquelga springs.  

• Fiesta Religiosa La Tirana - 51 km Geoglifos de Pintados - 64 km Oasis de Pica y Termas de Mamiña Chile - 82 km Oficinas Salitreras Humberstone - 36 km
• Pica - 87 km Playa Cavancha - 1 km Tarapacá - 74 km Termas de Mamiña - 46 km

Meet the well-known Pintados Geoglyphs and the Nitrate factory-servicing town of Humberstone with this half day excursion, departing from Iquique.…

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Best price without complications, best quality guaranteed, passenger service available 24/7, tours and experiences selected by experts, industry leader, 18 years of experience, tourist attractions in iquique.

Isluga Volcano National Park

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• Iquique, todos los tours
• Salitreras, Oasis y Geoglifos de Pintados (Ruta del Sol)
• Salitreras Humberstone y Santa Laura, desde Iquique
• Laguna Roja – Kuta Wila

Transfer Aeropuerto Iquique

• Salar del Huasco

Parapente Tandem Iquique

• Sandboard en Dunas de Iquique
• Termas y Barros, Mamiña
• Termas de Polloquere Salar de Surire
• TRAVESÍA POR EL ALTIPLANO 3 días 2 noches
• Termas de Chusmiza
• Quebrada Camiña
• Fiesta de la Tirana
• Giras de Estudio Iquique
• Todos los viajes
• Parques Nacionales
• Parque Alerce Andino
• Trekking Reserva Nacional Llanquihue
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• Transfer Aeropuerto | P. Montt | P. Varas | Frutillar
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Tours en Iquique, mucho más que viajes

Tours más destacados en iquique.

Nos destacamos por ser locales y conocer los lugares y atractivos que no te debes perder en una visita a Iquique.

¿Qué hacer en Iquique?, es una de las preguntas que puedes resolver con nuestros Tours y viajes.

En primer lugar queremos darte la bienvenida a Iquique y la región de Tarapaca.

En segundo lugar te queremos dar la bienvenida al Desierto, la pampa, los oasis, las montañas y el altiplano.

Somos una Empresa Local, que se enfoca en realizar experiencias turisticas durante todo el año desde Iquique.

Tenemos enfoque en el gusto por la naturaleza, cultura, historia e historias, empapados de los territorios que visitamos.

Te queremos ofrecer los paquetes de viaje que realizamos y diseñamos en la región de Tarapaca, desde Iquique.

De esta forma podrás conocer a fondo un territorio MAGICO.

Algunos de los viajes y experiencias más recomendados

Salitreras, Oasis y Geoglifos de Pintados

Una Ruta todo el día desde Iquique, para conocer los principales puntos de interés cerca de la ciudad. Imperdibles los sitios arqueológicos y productos tradicionales.

Laguna Roja – Kuta Wila

Una aventura de todo el día, que nos llevará a rincones hermosos entre montañas y paisajes del altiplano de Chile. Destacan 3 Lagunas de Colores en medio del Altiplano.

Tour Salitreras Humberstone y Santa Laura, desde Iquique

Una visita dedicada a uno de los 6 Patrimonios de la Humanidad en Chile, Las Salitreras Humberstone y Santa Laura

Realizamos Servicio de Transfer entre el Aeropuerto de Iquique a las ciudades de alto hospicio e Iquique, además de otras localidades de la zona

Fiesta de la Tirana, 15 y 16 de Julio

Un momento increible, que pausa cada rincon del desierto tarapaqueño. Cada año miles de personas se reunen en una fista de baile y encuentro

Pisagua y Geoglifos- Arqueología e Historia

Una actividad a sitios de relevancia arqueológica y arquitectónica, un viaje por la historia del desierto de atacama

Tours a Salitreras, Desierto y Oasis

Primero encontrarás viajes por todo el día o medio día a las Oficinas Salitreras, la Pampa del Tamarugal, los sitios arqueológicos y los Oasis. Los atractivos más destacados y próximos desde Iquique.

En consecuencia encontrarás viajes con historia, paisajes y naturaleza.

Al contrario de lo que se cree, el desierto tiene muchos lugares que se pueden visitar todo el año. Pero debes venir preparado

De esta forma se destacan:

Oasis de Pica

Humberstone y Santa Laura

Geoglifos de Pintados – Reserva Pampa del Tamarugal

Somos Locales - Una tremenda diferencia

Primero: Aquí encontrarás tu Tour en Iquique.

A partir de esta ciudad es posible conectar distintos lugares interesantes alrededor.

Si viajas a Iquique te encontrarás con una Arquitectura del Periodo Peruano y Chileno.

Destacan antiguas casonas en Pino Oregón, vinculadas a la Industria del Salitre.

En Iquique encontrarás Museos, Restaurants, buenos alojamientos y la posibilidad de agendar tours para conocer el desierto, altiplano y sitios de interés.

CULTURA Y ARQUITECTURA EN IQUIQUE

Iquique tiene esta arquitectura tan llamativa, que nos muestra un periodo de la historia local muy vinculado al desierto. Destacamos en una visita a Iquique su Plaza Prat, Torre de Reloj, teatro y edificios de los Barrios el Morro y Paseo Baquedano.

También destacan cerca de Iquique las Salitreras HUMBERSTONE Y SANTA LAURA que son parte de los Patrimonios de la Humanidad de la UNESCO.

También una RICA GASTRONOMIA

El antiguo Perú dejó un legado en la GASTRONOMÍA LOCAL.

Sabores de la costa y del interior entregan variedades de platos y preparaciones.

En consecuencia la ciudad de Iquique posee excelentes y destacados Restaurant, pero también en sus pueblos del Interior.

Es por ello que Magical Tours Chile posee prestadores locales de servicios gastronómicos, con platos y preparaciones típicas.

CERCANÍA A SITIOS DE OTRO MUNDO

Así mismo un Tour en Iquique te puede llevar a lugares de otro mundo.

Si creías que las llamas y alpacas eran cosas solo de lugares como San Pedro, Perú o Bolivia, te habías perdido la región de Tarapaca.

Por esto mismo programas y Paquetes de tours de interés especial te llevarán a los rincones de la región de Tarapaca.

Y Magical Tours Chile tiene viajes por el día y varios días a lugares como el Parque Nacional Isluga, Laguna Roja, Lago Chungará.

Además te invitamos revisar y consultar los viajes, tours y programas en Iquique para tus vacaciones o estadía breve.

Finalmente recuerda que Iquique tiene un excelente clima casi todo el año.

DESCATACAN LAS SALITRERAS

Encuentra tu viaje a las Salitreras

Laguna Roja

Uno de los atractivos más misteriosos

Salares del Altiplano

Hermosos paisajes y Naturaleza de los Andes

Llama y consulta

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Tours en el altiplano.

En primer lugar el altiplano es una de las zonas de Chile y la cordillera de los Andes más llamativa por su paisaje y biodiversidad.

Igualmente si buscas Birdwatching tenemos varias rutas que te permitirán aumentar tu registro de avifauna.

Pero,¿te gusta la cultura? 

Pueblos Originarios vivos como Aymaras y Quechuas están presentes en los territorios y rutas disponibles.

En consecuencia los viajes y tours que hacemos en el altiplano son experiencias pensadas en contacto con la naturaleza y los pueblos que ahí habitan.

Otra forma de  probar productos locales y disfrutar de una rica gastronomía y artesanías locales, son los tours en zonas rurales.

Y se destacan:

PARQUE ISLUGA, COLCHANE, CARIQUIMA, Geisers, Salares y Montañas

SALAR DEL HUASCO

LAGUNA ROJA

LAGO CHUNGARA – PARQUE LAUCA – SURIRE

TOURS CON TERMAS

Actividades de turismo aventura.

Para Información y atención

Puerto Montt

Puerto Varas

Antofagasta

Deportes Iquique

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• Mauro Quiroga - 88'
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Got Back Tour - 2024

Estadio Centenario, Montevideo

1 October 2024

Estadio Centenario 11400 Montevideo Departamento de Montevideo Uruguay

River Plate Stadium, Buenos Aires

5 October 2024

River Plate Stadium Av. Pres. Figueroa Alcorta 7597 C1428 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina

6 October 2024

Estadio Monumental, Santiago

11 October 2024

Estadio Monumental Av. Marathon 5300 Macul Región Metropolitana Chile

Allianz Parque, São Paulo

15 October 2024

Avenida Francisco Matarazzo 1705 R. Palestra Itália 200 - Água Branca São Paulo - SP 05001-200 Brazil

Estádio da Ressacada, Florianópolis

19 October 2024

Carianos Florianópolis - State of Santa Catarina Brazil

Estadio Mario Kempes, Córdoba

23 October 2024

Estadio Mario Kempes Ramón Cárcano Córdoba Argentina

Estadio Nacional, Lima

27 October 2024

Estadio Nacional C. José Díaz s/n Lima 15046 Peru

Estadio BBVA, Monterrey

8 November 2024

Av. Pablo Livas 2011 La Pastora 67140 Guadalupe N.L. Mexico

Estadio GNP Seguros, Mexico City

12 November 2024

Viad. Río de la Piedad S/N Granjas México Iztacalco 08400 Ciudad de México CDMX Mexico

Corona Capital, Mexico City

17 November 2024

Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez Viad. Río de la Piedad S/n Granjas México, Iztacalco 08400 Ciudad de México CDMX Mexico

La Défense Arena, Paris

4 December 2024

99 Jard. de l'Arche 92000 Nanterre France

5 December 2024

WiZink Center, Madrid

9 December 2024

Av. de Felipe II s/n Salamanca 28009 Madrid Spain

10 December 2024

Co-op Live, Manchester

14 December 2024

Etihad Campus 1 Sportcity Way Manchester M11 3DL

15 December 2024

The O2, London

18 December 2024

Peninsula Square London SE10 0DX

19 December 2024

Tour Information

Paul will bring his acclaimed 'Got Back' tour to South America and Europe later this year! Fulfilling his promise to 'get back', Paul will return to Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Peru and Mexico, then head to France, Spain and the UK. His first show of 2024 will take place on 1st October in Montevideo. PRE-SALE AND GENERAL SALE TIMINGS ARE STAGGERED BY SHOW Tuesday 1st October - Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, URUGUAY ⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Monday 10 June 2PM UYT / 6PM BST ⁠General sale: Monday 17 June 12.01PM UYT / 4.O1PM BST ⁠ ⁠Saturday 5th October - River Plate Stadium, Bueno Aires, ARGENTINA Sunday 6th October - River Plate Stadium, Bueno Aires, ARGENTINA ⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Tuesday 11 June 10AM ART / 2PM BST ⁠⁠General sale: Wednesday 12 June 12pm ART / 4PM BST ⁠ ⁠Friday 11th October - Estadio Monumental, Santiago, CHILE ⁠⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Monday 17 June 11AM CLT / 4PM BST ⁠⁠General sale: Friday 21 June 11.01AM CLT / 4.01PM BST Tuesday 15th October - Allianz Parque, Sao Paulo, BRAZIL ⁠⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Tuesday 25th June 10AM BRT / 2PM BST ⁠⁠General sale: Wednesday 26th June 12PM BRT / 4PM BST Saturday 19th October - Estádio da Ressacada, Florianópolis, BRAZIL ⁠⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Tuesday 25th June 10AM BRT / 2PM BST ⁠⁠General sale: Wednesday 26th June 12PM BRT / 4PM BST ⁠ ⁠Wednesday 23rd October - Mario Alberto Kempes, Córdoba, ARGENTINA ⁠⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Tuesday 11 June 10AM ART / 2PM BST ⁠⁠General sale: Wednesday 12 June 12pm ART / 4PM BST ⁠ ⁠Sunday 27th October - Estadio Nacional, Lima, PERU ⁠⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Friday 14 June 10AM PET / 4PM BST ⁠⁠General sale: Sunday 16 June 10AM PET / 4PM BST Friday 8th November - Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, MEXICO ⁠⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Monday 24 June 9AM CST / 4PM BST ⁠⁠General sale: Friday 28 June 1PM CST / 8PM BST Tuesday 12th November - Estadio GNP Seguros, Mexico City, MEXICO ⁠⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Monday 24 June 9AM CST / 4PM BST ⁠⁠General sale: Friday 28 June 1PM CST / 8PM BST Wednesday 4th December - La Defense Arena, Paris, FRANCE ⁠Thursday 5th December - La Defense Arena, Paris, FRANCE ⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Tuesday 18 June 10am CET ⁠General sale: Friday 21 June 10am CET ⁠ ⁠Monday 9th December - WiZink Center, Madrid, SPAIN ⁠Tuesday 10th December - WiZink Center, Madrid, SPAIN ⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Tuesday 18 June 10am CET ⁠General sale: Friday 21 June 10am CET ⁠ ⁠Saturday 14th December - Co-op Live, Manchester, UK ⁠Sunday 15th December - Co-op Live, Manchester, UK ⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Wednesday 19 June 10am BST ⁠General sale: Friday 21 June 10am BST ⁠ ⁠Wednesday 18th December - The O2 Arena, London, UK ⁠Thursday 19th December - The O2 Arena, London, UK ⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Wednesday 19 June 10am BST ⁠General sale: Friday 21 June 10am BST

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Paul announces Brazil dates for the 2024 'Got Back' tour

Paul announces mexico dates for the 2024 'got back' tour, paul announces europe dates for the 2024 'got back' tour.